Daijiworld Media Network - Changzhou

Changzhou, Jul 22: Fresh from her title-winning run at the Japan Open, P.V. Sindhu made a winning start to her China Open campaign with a gritty first-round victory over compatriot Unnati Hooda, while Ayush Shetty pulled off a major upset by defeating Indonesia's World No. 11 Alwi Farhan to book his place in the men's singles pre-quarterfinals.

Sindhu overcame a determined challenge from the 18-year-old Hooda, winning 21-14, 9-21, 21-10 in a 56-minute contest.

The victory also served as redemption for the two-time Olympic medallist, who had suffered a defeat against Hooda at the same tournament last year. After losing the second game, Sindhu regained control in the decider with her experience and attacking play to seal the match comfortably.

The former world champion will next face a stern test against fourth seed and former Olympic champion Chen Yufei of China in the second round. Sindhu enters the contest with confidence, having defeated Chen during her successful title run at last week's Japan Open.

Ayush Shetty also enjoyed a memorable day, producing one of the tournament's biggest surprises by defeating former World Junior champion Alwi Farhan 21-17, 5-21, 21-17.

The victory carried added significance for the young Indian, who had lost to the Indonesian in the semifinals of the 2023 World Junior Championships.

Shetty claimed the opening game with aggressive and disciplined badminton before Farhan bounced back emphatically to level the match. The Indian, however, regained his composure in the deciding game, holding his nerve in the closing stages to register one of the biggest wins of his senior career and advance to the last 16.

India, however, endured a disappointing outing in the doubles competitions.

In mixed doubles, Rohan Kapoor and Ruthvika Shivani Gadde were outclassed in straight games by top seeds Yan Zhe Feng and Dong Ping Huang of China.

Another Indian mixed doubles pair, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto, also bowed out after losing to China's Xin Wa Guo and Fang Hui Chen.

India's challenge in the men's doubles event also came to an end as M.R. Arjun and Hariharan Amsakarunan were defeated by fourth-seeded Taiwanese pair Wei Keng Liang and Chang Wang.

Later in the day, Lakshya Sen is scheduled to begin his men's singles campaign against Japan's Yushi Tanaka as India looks to extend its presence in the tournament.